Stretching a spring practical
I can measure the extension of a spring and describe its properties as it increases in length.
Stretching a spring practical
I can measure the extension of a spring and describe its properties as it increases in length.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Stretching or compressing an object requires more than one force.
- Below the limit of proportionality, a stretched spring is not stretched permanently out of shape.
- Above the limit of proportionality, a stretched spring is stretched permanently out of shape.
Keywords
Extension - The increase from the original length of a spring when it is stretched.
Elastic deformation - The stretch of a spring that returns to its original shape when the stretching force is removed.
Inelastic deformation - The stretch of a spring as it is permanently stretched out of shape.
Limit of proportionality - The largest extension of a spring before it is stretched out of shape.
Common misconception
Extension is the extra amount the spring has stretched when a bigger force is applied.
Ensure pupils fully remove each hanging mass between measurements so they see the extension of the spring from its original length each time.
To help you plan your year 10 combined science lesson on: Stretching a spring practical, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 10 combined science lesson on: Stretching a spring practical, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 4 combined science lessons from the Energy of moving objects unit, dive into the full secondary combined science curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Equipment
Apparatus to measure the extension of a 'Hooke's Law spring' to destruction with hanging masses of 12.0 N in 1.0 N increments.
Content guidance
- Risk assessment required - equipment
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Starter quiz
6 Questions



Exit quiz
6 Questions
extension -
the difference between the spring's stretched and unstretched length
elastic deformation -
a reversible (temporary) change in length of a spring
inelastic deformation -
a permanent change in length of a spring

